The Adolescent Health and Information Projects (AHIP) has called for greater investment in the health, wellbeing, education and empowerment of young people across Nigeria, saying every young person deserves access to quality healthcare, accurate information and opportunities to realise their potential.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Dr. Mairo V. Bello, to commemorate International Youth Day 2026, being observed under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Dr. Bello said the theme highlights the fact that young people live in different social, economic, cultural and geographical circumstances but share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, good health, decent livelihoods and a sustainable future.
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She said the theme should serve as a reminder that differences in circumstances should not determine young people’s access to essential health information, adolescent-friendly healthcare services, protection and opportunities for personal development.
According to her, adolescents and young people in Nigeria continue to face challenges capable of undermining their health and future prospects.
She listed substance abuse, inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, early and unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence, mental health challenges and wider social and economic vulnerabilities among the issues requiring urgent attention.
AHIP therefore called on governments at all levels, development partners, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders and the media to strengthen collaboration in tackling the challenges confronting young Nigerians.
The organisation stressed that young people should not merely be treated as beneficiaries of government and development programmes but should be meaningfully involved in the design, implementation and monitoring of interventions affecting their lives.
“Your voices, experiences and innovative ideas must inform policies and programmes at community, state and national levels,” AHIP said.
The organisation particularly advocated increased investment in adolescent- and youth-friendly health services that are accessible, affordable, confidential, non-judgmental and responsive to the realities of young people.
Dr. Bello also urged parents and caregivers to create supportive environments where adolescents can ask questions, obtain reliable information and seek appropriate guidance without fear of stigma or discrimination.
She called on traditional and religious leaders to play a stronger role in creating safe spaces for young people and supporting efforts to improve their health and wellbeing.
The AHIP Executive Director also highlighted the importance of the media in promoting adolescent health.
She urged journalists and media organisations to provide accurate and responsible reporting on issues affecting young people, counter misinformation and highlight positive examples demonstrating the contributions of youths to society.
Mrs Bello said young people possess the capacity to contribute significantly to the development of their communities if provided with the right information, opportunities and supportive environment.
“As we mark International Youth Day, AHIP reaffirms its commitment to working with government, communities, partners and young people themselves to advance adolescent health, rights, empowerment and access to life-saving information and services,” she said.
She emphasised that differences in the circumstances of young people should not translate into differences in opportunities.
“Different contexts should never mean different opportunities. Our common aspiration must be a society where every young person, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, productive and fulfilling life,” she said.
Dr. Bello also encouraged young people across Nigeria to recognise their potential, make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing, seek accurate information and appropriate services when necessary, and participate actively in building healthier and more resilient communities.
She urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions about young people and instead create mechanisms that allow them to participate directly in decisions affecting their lives.
“Let us move from speaking about young people to working with them,” she said.
She reaffirmed AHIP’s commitment to advancing adolescent health, youth rights and empowerment while promoting access to reliable, life-saving information and services for young people across Nigeria.